ISO 22982-1:2021

Transport packaging - Temperature-controlled transport packages for parcel shipping - Part 1: General requirements

This document specifies the general requirements of transport packaging, especially the containers, which are formed or prepared for the temperature-controlled transport services of parcel shipping. Safety or sanitation is not covered in this document. This document set outs the general requirements for transport packaging for safe storage and distribution of temperature-sensitive products.

Titre manque — Partie 1: Titre manque

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 08-Mar-2021
• ICS: 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 122 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 122/WG 16 - Temperature controlled product packaging
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 09-Mar-2021
• Due Date: 27-Oct-2020
• Completion Date: 09-Mar-2021

Overview

ISO 22982-1:2021 - Transport packaging - Temperature-controlled transport packages for parcel shipping - Part 1: General requirements - defines the general requirements for packaging and containers used in temperature-controlled parcel shipping. The standard focuses on ensuring safe storage and distribution of temperature-sensitive products through the parcel (small-package) cold chain. It specifies classifications, dimensional guidance, material considerations (including phase changing materials), performance metrics and labelling. The scope emphasizes general packaging requirements; note that it clarifies the remit around safety and sanitation while also providing handling and dry-ice guidance.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Classification of systems: Defines passive (insulation-based) and active (powered cooling/heating) temperature-controlled packaging systems and guidance for selecting the appropriate type.
• Phase changing materials (PCM): Requirements for PCM use, including safety (non-toxicity), leakage prevention, and documentation of material properties and expected performance.
• Packaging dimensions and tolerances: Recommends plan-view dimensions based on ISO 3394 and thickness tolerances aligned with ISO 4898.
• Thermal performance: Requirements for maintaining temperature consistency, measurement of thermal resistance and container capacity (e.g., methods for capacity measurement using water displacement principles).
• Safety and handling: Practical precautions for handling containers and coolants - including dry ice labeling, ventilation and handling to avoid frostbite or asphyxiation.
• Mechanical and surface performance: Tolerances for weight (±3% nominal), acceptable surface condition, and stacking considerations to avoid collapse (references tests in related parts).
• Labelling and symbols: Positioning and general labelling requirements for identification of temperature-controlled packages.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

ISO 22982-1 is directly applicable to organizations involved with small-parcel cold chain distribution:

• Packaging designers and manufacturers (insulated boxes, VIP panels, PCM packs)
• Cold chain logistics providers and parcel carriers offering temperature-controlled services
• E‑commerce retailers shipping perishables or pharmaceuticals
• Third‑party fulfillment and last‑mile delivery operators
• Test laboratories and quality assurance teams validating package thermal performance
• Standards bodies and procurement teams specifying packaging requirements

Adoption helps ensure consistent thermal protection, safer handling of coolants (e.g., dry ice), and clearer communication among stakeholders in parcel-based cold chains.

Related standards

• ISO 4898 (rigid cellular plastics - thermal insulation)
• ISO 9229 (thermal insulation vocabulary)
• ISO 18616-1 (reusable rigid plastic distribution boxes)
• ISO 21067-1 (packaging vocabulary)
• ISO 3394 (dimensional modules referenced)
• ISO/PRF 22982-2 (tests for stacking and performance - referenced for unit-load testing)

Keywords: ISO 22982-1, temperature-controlled transport packages, parcel shipping, cold chain, PCM, passive packaging, active packaging, thermal performance, dry ice safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 22982-1
First edition
2021-03
Transport packaging — Temperature-
controlled transport packages for
parcel shipping —
Part 1:
General requirements
Reference number
©
ISO 2021
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classifications . 2
4.1 Temperature-controlled packaging systems . 2
4.1.1 Passive packaging system . 2
4.1.2 Active packaging system . 2
4.2 Using phase changing material for temperature-controlled packaging system . 3
5 Packaging dimensions . 3
5.1 Plan view dimension . 3
5.2 Tolerance of thickness . 3
6 Safety . 3
6.1 General handling . 3
6.2 Stacking . 4
6.3 Use of phase changing material . 4
6.4 Dry ice safety precautions . 4
7 Performance . 4
7.1 Surface . 4
7.2 Tolerance for weight. 4
7.3 Measurement of capacity . 4
7.4 Sanitation . 4
7.5 Thermal performance . 4
7.5.1 Temperature consistency . 4
7.5.2 Thermal property of material . 5
8 Symbol and labelling . 5
8.1 General . 5
8.2 Labelling position . 5
Annex A (informative) Types of temperature-controlled packaging systems .6
Bibliography .10
Foreword
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bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
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electrotechnical standardization.
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described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
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iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging.
A list of all parts in the ISO 22982 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This document is developed in reflection of the situation where producers and users experience
confusion regarding the test procedures of temperature-controlled transport packages for parcel
shipping. Despite the increasing international attention to product safety and quality of cold chain
parcel shipping through e-commerce, an International Standard that addresses the variations in the
use of proper package testing has been missing. This document should be directly applicable to less
developed countries as well as developed countries in terms of cold chain system or temperature-
controlled supply chain.
The purpose of this document is to specify the general requirements of temperature-controlled
packaging systems for transport packaging during parcel shipping. The packages are delivered under
temperature-controlled supply chain on the purpose of controlling products' qualities, safety and
services.
In certain circumstances, however, agreements can be made among stakeholders under the conditions,
including but not limited to the following:
a) when products weigh heavily;
b) when dry ice or possible hazardous materials are present inside the package; or
c) when there is any specific temperature requirement.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 22982-1:2021(E)
Transport packaging — Temperature-controlled transport
packages for parcel shipping —
Part 1:
General requirements
1 Scope
This document specifies the general requirements of transport packaging, especially the containers,
which are formed or prepared for the temperature-controlled transport services of parcel shipping.
Safety or sanitation is not covered in this document.
This document set outs the general requirements for transport packaging for safe storage and
distribution of temperature-sensitive products.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 4898, Rigid cellular plastics — Thermal insulation products for buildings — Specifications
ISO 9229, Thermal insulation — Vocabulary
ISO 18616-1, Transport packaging — Reusable, rigid plastic distribution boxes — Part 1: General purpose
application
ISO 21067-1, Packaging — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 21067-1, ISO 9229 and
ISO 18616-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
temperature-controlled packaging
packaging/container that is designed or prepared for the purpose of maintaining specific
temperature ranges
3.2
temperature-controlled packaging system
packaging system including all the means used to ensure a constant temperature within the desired
temperature range for a product that i
...